Château d’Yquem Sauternes 2003

Château History

Recognized as the only **Premier Cru Supérieur** in Sauternes since 1855, **Château d’Yquem** is a legendary estate known for crafting some of the world’s finest sweet wines. Located in the heart of Sauternes, the château’s history spans over four centuries, with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Each bottle is the result of meticulous vineyard care, patient harvests, and precise winemaking, delivering exceptional purity, balance, and aging potential.

Terroir

The vineyards of Château d’Yquem sit atop a rare combination of gravelly soils on clay subsoils, providing excellent drainage and heat retention. The proximity to the Garonne and Ciron rivers creates morning mists essential for the development of **Botrytis cinerea** (noble rot), which concentrates sugars and enhances aromatic complexity in the grapes.

Winemaking

Grapes are **harvested by hand in multiple selective pickings** to ensure only the perfectly botrytized berries are chosen. Fermentation takes place in new French oak barrels, followed by **aging for 30 months** in barrel to allow the wine to fully develop its complexity and structure. The vinification process is guided by tradition and precision, resulting in wines with remarkable depth and longevity.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant golden amber color. The nose is opulent and complex, with intense aromas of **candied apricot, honey, orange marmalade, pineapple**, and delicate notes of **saffron and vanilla**. On the palate, the wine is **rich, luscious, and powerful**, yet perfectly balanced by vibrant acidity. The texture is silky, and the finish is extraordinarily long, leaving lingering flavors of exotic fruits, spices, and toasted almonds. The **2003 vintage** stands out for its richness, aromatic intensity, and great aging potential.

A legendary Sauternes—opulent, complex, and perfectly balanced, showcasing the mastery of Château d’Yquem and the exceptional character of the 2003 vintage.

Pairing

Enjoy as a dessert wine or with blue cheeses, foie gras, or exotic fruit-based dishes.